This one touch puzzle platformer ramps up the difficulty and will toss you into a world fille dwith more than 45 levels along with a time trial gameplay mode. Loads of opportunities for increasing your score and shaving milliseconds off of your best times along with GameCenter support add loads of replayability to this one. Don't miss it!
Whirl The Squirrel has lost all of his precious THINGS to his 'nenemies. It's up to you to race through 18 wonderfully designed levels in this speed-run, racing platformer. Perfect for fans of Sonic the Hedgehog!
An interesting Lane-Defense title from Syrenaica Development. Help Count Dolfus defend his treasure against the onslaught of knights and adventurers who are trying to steal it away from him. Only $0.99 in the AppStore!
Easily one of the best fighting games on the iOS, Kinetic Damage presents an amount of depth that's rarely seen within the genre. Fans and newcomers alike should jump on this one ASAP!
Check out a brawler specifically designed for the touchscreens from Heavy Boat Games and Cartoon Network! 3 worlds, 15 levels and some intense action staring Mordecai and Rigby from CN's Regular Show! Be sure and grab this great little beat-em-up!
From Level-5 and Grasshopper, the action packed mech shooter; Liberation Maiden is now available on the iOS! With improved graphics and controls, this is definitely one to dive in to.
Monday, February 06, 2012Daniel DouvrisNo comments
There isn't much to say about League of Evil other than that it is pretty much the most amazing platformer on iOS. Back at the start of 2012 we gave our Game of the Year award to the original League of Evil. After having so much fun with the first, you can't imagine how excited we are (or at least I am) for the sequel! Enough chit chat, feast your eyes on the glorious trailer. Agent is back. Oh yeah.
Sunday, February 05, 2012Daniel DouvrisNo comments
A year ago, Rodeo Games made their iOS debut with the release of Hunters: Episode One. Their free-to-try turn-based strategy title set a new standard in terms of graphics and gameplay. Since then, Hunters: Episode One has received over 600,000 downloads and has earned a Metacritic rating of 84%. Coming off of this initial success, Rodeo Games is following up with the second installment in the Hunters series. Hunters 2 looks to expand on the gameplay of the first episode, and will even feature a full campaign mode. This campaign will follow the story of a brand new hero, Caius Black.
All in all, Hunters 2 is looking really good so far. I'm sure fans will love the new campaign mode, not to mention the new enemies races, environments, mission types, guns, and gear. On top of that, a new graphics engine will be used to handle real-time dynamic lighting and various customization options. At the moment, Hunters 2 is about to enter the beta stage. If all goes well we should have our hands on the game in no time. We'll let you know as soon as we hear more info about the game. Until then, go ahead and check out the promo screens below and Rodeo Games' website and sign up for their beta program if you want.
Saturday, February 04, 2012Daniel Douvris10 comments
Polarbit and Pixelbite are back with the sequel to one of the greatest racing games of all time. Back when the first Reckless Racing burst onto the App Store, we all fell in the love with the ease and beauty of drifting around corners. Although the sequel loses some of its power sliding glory, it more than makes up for it in every other aspect.
Content 5/5
This is where Reckless Racing 2 shines. For one thing, you will never get bored of playing this game. There are 4 game modes available, including Career, Arcade, Single Event, and Multiplayer. As compete in races, you earn money to spend at the shop. Apart from the variety of game modes, the shop is outstanding. There are more cars than you could ever fit in someone's garage, and the upgrade system goes deeper than any other racing game on the App Store. On top of that, for small cost you can switch up your style by repainting your car, tinting the windshield, and even changing your rims.
Gameplay 3/5
Gameplay in RR2 varies somewhat with each game mode, but for the most part it feels the same throughout. The basic gist is that you race laps around these crazy courses that are full of obstacles and try to finish in first place. In Career mode, you compete in various Cups (ie. Reckless Cup, Roadrunner Cup) that consist of 3-6 events each. In total, there are 12 cups which makes for around 50 races in one career. Races come in three types; Race, Hot Lap, and Eliminator. Although there is nothing groundbreaking here, the different race types help to bring some replay value to the game. In Arcade mode, you compete is various single event challenges. Single Event mode is sort of a practice mode where you can choose one of the 3 race types and try to get your best times. The real key stone in the game is the Multiplayer mode. The way Multiplayer works is you hop into a lobby and you choose to either host your own room or join someone else's. You can easily compete with your friends or with anyone in the world who is playing Reckless Racing 2. Multiplayer is available for all of the game modes, so go wild with the competition in whatever form you like.
Controls 3/5
If you've played the original Reckless Racing, you are familiar with the ease at which you could power slide around corners. My favorite control scheme in the original had to be the full wheel because it gave me the most control over the car. However, in RR2 things feel a bit different. On the bright side, there are 5 different control schemes to choose from, ranging from on-screen buttons, to steering wheels, to plain tilt. The way that the controls can be customized to your comfort is great, and this aspect helps you enjoy the game in its full glory. Unfortunately, despite the custimazability, for me some of the control schemes just didn't work as expected. My biggest disappointment has to be that the full wheel isn't what it used to be. For the most part, the wheel options were just too twitchy for me and it was difficult to travel in a straight line. Despite that fact, the on-screen button option works perfectly and I haven't seen the need to use any other set-up.
Overall 4/5
Reckless Racing 2 is everything you could ask for in a sequel, plus some. Despite its setbacks, it's nearly impossible to not enjoy your time on the track. Gorgeous visuals, easy to use controls, and tons of content make this the best racing game on the App Store. Race your way to the top (cliche right?) of the leaderboards and build up your dream car collection. At the premium price of $4.99 I heartily recommend Reckless Racing 2.
LuckySheep has brought us a 2-D endless runner powered by
Unreal that takes upon a fantasy setting. I honestly thought it was going to be
an RPG based upon my first impressions, until I began the tutorial. Nonetheless,
Darkness Rush is a decent game that delivers a unique approach by adding more
to the endless running genre.
Gameplay
In DR:SP, you play as one of three characters (one
unlockable by IAP) in running across a 2-D map. There are three buttons: jump,
attack, and transform. What makes the game interesting is a result of these
three buttons. With the jump button, not only can you jump once, but you also
have the ability to double jump as well as float in mid-air to cross gaps and spikes.
The attack button allows you to break purple runes that may block your path,
which will harm you should you touch them. Both floating and attacking deplete
your mana, which can be regenerated over time or by breaking the purple runes.
However, the mana regenerates at such an abysmal rate, if you deplete all of it
and leave none to attack with, it’s pretty much gone. Finally, by collecting 3
red crystals, you are given the ability to transform. What you transform into
and his or her abilities following the transformation will depend on your
character; the advantage of transforming allows your character to take a hit
without losing a heart or dieing. The runner is also filled with powerups,
including speedups, extra heart, extra mana, etc. These add to the flavor of
the game.
The diversity of the controls in the game creates a fairly
enjoyable experience. In addition, with the added speed when one transforms
makes the game quick and puts the player on focus to react to incoming
obstacles. However, the game does have a couple of nuisances, such as the
instance following de-transformation in the air and floating into the edge or
getting caught under a platform. They are small, but notable flaws.
Presentation
The game presents itself nicely, opening with an easy to
follow tutorial. Unfortunately, the game suffers from an absurd amount of
loading screens for every section of the game, even to restart a run. In
addition, there are coins in the game that allow spending options, such as
powerups at the beginning of a run and equipment to increase stats. However, as
the game has IAPs, the equipment is expensive while runs do not yield many
coins, even with a double coin powerup. The slow progress is a slight turn off.
The game also contains achievements to obtain, which is a nice bonus.
Graphics
As it’s powered by Unreal, DR:SP has clean graphics.
However, as a result, the game lags in several places. The introduction scene,
the start of the run, and de-transformation all suffer from lag as a result,
and it sadly takes away from the game.
Sound
With a dramatic song playing in the background on the menu
and fitting song during the gameplay run, the music played is well composed and
fitting. In contrast, the voice acting (such as grunts from jumping) is a little
on the weaker side; it’s decent, but unable to compare with other games.
Replay
As an endless runner, the game must be able to hook you to
keep you playing (and to buy the IAPs). DR:SP is strong enough to keep somebody
playing several times. With the addition of the extremely fun and engaging
multiplayer matches, DR:SP will be able to keep you coming for a while. If you’re
able to enjoy the gameplay mechanics, then this game will last.
Conclusion
DR:SP contains a strong gameplay mechanics that provide good
replay value with both the fun of the game and the addition of multiplayer
matches. Some gameplay and technical flaws hold the game back however, hampering
the full possible enjoyment of the game. But, if you can overlook those flaws,
DR:SP is worth your time.
Friday, February 03, 2012Daniel DouvrisNo comments
As you all know, Raid Leader, the new real-time strategy/action RPG from Red Zebra Games and Crescent Moon Games, will be launching next Thursday. To get you guys even more pumped up, they have just dropped a new trailer outlining the coolest features in the game. Check this bad boy out and get a napkin, because you're bound to drool. We'll have a review coming soon. Enjoy:
'Crazy Hedgy', developed by Cybertime Games, is the first great 3D platformer available on the App Store. In it, you play as the delightable hedgehog Crazy Hedgy, traveling through three well-crafted worlds. In each level your goal is to get to the end, but also to collect gems and the three hidden coins. Full of life and variety, Crazy Hedgy doesn't disappoint as the first true 3D platformer for iOS.
Controls: 5/5
As far as platformers go, it's essential to have great controls. On the app store, tilt controls hardly ever mesh well with a platformer, as accelerometer controls don't provide the layer of precision required. Crazy Hedgy is just the opposite, giving you more intuitive controls than a virtual joystick or virtual buttons could ever work. I've found that, when required, you can roll along a tiny ledge, grab a coin, then flip around while on the very edge, and make it back safely. The rest of the controls along with this are very simple as well: touch the left side to punch and touch the right side to jump. When unlocked, you can also use special moves that allow you to do different attacks, like the 'grab' upgrade, which lets you pick up Spankos and throw them. The controls have yet to fail me once, proving to me that accelerometer controls can provide the incredible precision needed in a platformer.
Content and Variety: 5/5
In 'Crazy Hedgy' you fight through more than 35 very large levels, which takes a very long time to complete. Inside each level are a large amount of gems that need to be collected to purchase upgrades and gain a better score. Also hidden in each level are three coins, often found in the toughest parts of the level. These coins are the only way to unlock more worlds, and also the key to unlocking upgrades in the shop. These upgrades feature anything from unlocking new attacks to buying better bubble gum (which can actually be a lifesaver in the game). There's a total of seven items in the shop, each with four or so upgrades per item. For those that hate In App Purchases, have no fear: there are no iAPs anywhere near. The upgrades in the shop don't feel like a grind to reach them either; each unlock feels like it was timed perfectly to coincide with in-game progress. Another interesting addition in the game shop is magnets, which grab collectable gems (the currency in the shop) and even increase the value of each gem. That means that even after playing through all the game's levels, you can also replay levels for a higher gem score. One tiny gripe with the game is that the previous score on a given level isn't easily accessible, though when you get a high score on a level it does let you know at the end of the level. The total score from all levels is compiled in a single Game Center leaderboard. There's also a fun arena mode, which sticks you up against varying waves of enemies, giant mines, or other obstacles in a small arena.
The game also features a ton of variety. From level to level you'll face different enemies, bosses, traps, trampolines and far more. Even getting near the end of the game, it still managed to throw new elements into it. The many upgrades in the shop also create more interest in playing, as each one gives you something fun and new. Each level is well designed as well, including wildly different elements in each level. Each world is also very unique, with a new look and more types of obstacles and ingenuities. There's also numerous ways to kill enemies, from causing them to get in a fight with each other to hitting them into a trap. Often times the key to killing a tough enemy is either quickly downing a crazy potion or using the environment to you're advantage. The whole game feels complete and full of life, without even a trace of it getting old.
Graphics and Animations: 5/5
Another item to consider about the games is how it looks. This can be a game changer, especially with a 3D game. However, Crazy Hedgy looks exceptional, especially sharp when Retina display is enabled. However, all the rest of the effects work on 3rd generation devices as well, meaning no matter what device you use it's definitely a looker. The characters and environment all have a clean and polished feel, giving it a very likeable look. Everything is also very well detailed and gives the perfect look to represent how well it plays: amazing.
With graphics, animations also have to be taken into account. A game can look great in stills but look horrible in motion. However, Crazy Hedgy finds definitely finds its groove in animations, with it all moving cleanly and perfectly. The enemies also have distinct personalities, looking and moving differently than each other. The great animations of the game just help to build the game up, adding to its personality.
Overall: 5/5
All in all, it's hard to find anything bad to say about Crazy Hedgy. Between it's perfect controls, amazing level design, and great graphics, there's almost nothing to fault. 'Crazy Hedgy' rolls itself along as one of the best games available on the app store. It's an amazingly fun platformer, and one I can't recommend enough.
Wednesday, February 01, 2012Daniel Douvris1 comment
Recently Bulkypix teamed up with Everplay and FireFruitForge to bring Terra Noctis onto the App Store. Terra Noctis had pretty much anything you could ask for in a classic style platformer, and after playing through the game I had nothing but good things to say about it. Despite a feature on Apple's 'New and Noteworthy' games, Terra Noctis hasn't faired well so the devs are taking a new approach.
On February 2nd, a free to play version of Terra Noctis will go live on the App Store. This version will be released by Everplay Interactive without the Bulkypix branding. Now it is important to note here that the original premium version of Terra Noctis will go untouched. Just think of this new version as the 'lite' or demo.
Here's what to expect. First things first, there will be no shortage of HATS whatsoever. Of course this is great news because with hats comes increased replay value. There will also be epic items to unlock as well. The devs would like to stress that the IAP in the game will be completely optional. You will have access to the game in its entirety for free, but if you want to speedily unlock the hats, then you will need to throw down a few coins. I believe this model will work well, and if it is well accepted by the community then we will definitely be seeing future updates to both versions of Terra Noctis.
In terms of actual gameplay, Free Dreaming will play pretty much like its premium older brother. Apparently a few tweaks have been made to make the game more hardcore, so don't expect this to be a cheasy one and done deal.
Other than that there isn't much to say about Terra Noctis: Free Dreaming. I'm excited to see the devs making this effort and I hope it works well for everyone. Either way expect to find the game on the App Store this Thursday, February 2nd. Now let there be hats for everyone. Here's a video:
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